Sunday Reflections
Happy Sunday, friends. Welcome to my weekly lifestyle post called Sunday Reflections.
Sunday Reflections is when I reflect on the past week, and a little on the week ahead.
The past week was wonderful here on the blog…a celebration of my visit from a dear friend, and a celebration of my new Spring Colors.
I encourage you to read those posts if you have not had time already.
I share the top photo today from my kitchen to tell you that I am fascinated with TREES.
The tree across the street captivates me every day…it is always stunning in different light at different times of the day, and if I were a painter, I would be painting it now.
The strength and root systems of trees always speak to me. I find their beauty captivating, and their strength, inspiring.
It just seemed a great way to start our time together…so please join me as I look at Sunday Reflections.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: WEATHER CHANGES
The beginning of our week was very warm with sunshine.
It motivated me to return to walking outdoors.
I shared in LAST WEEK’S SUNDAY REFLECTIONS how Leigh Ann was blessed with beautiful, big wild turkeys as she walks outside…well, I get prairie dogs!
In defense of the prairie dogs, they are cute…though I would not call them beautiful.
The really great news here was that I returned to walking outside…this is the first time since my foot surgeries and moving. It felt great and over three days, I racked up 4 miles.
Then, winter returned with much needed rain.
I had moved all of my cold weather clothes into one location and it was a bit of a surprise for It to get so cold so quickly.
Tux suggested that we stay warm and cozy inside.
I agreed.
Warm and cozy time is always a good time for Sunday Reflections to happen.
I take the time to plan and prepare for the week ahead rather than rushing out into the day.
And I always cook more when it is cold outside.
This was simply roasted sweet potatoes, tomatoes and peppers topped with Cinnamon & Pear Balsamic, Feta Cheese and Pistachios.
I roasted the vegetables after tossing in Tuscan & Herb olive oil and Italian Seasoning.
Simple and Yummy.
I explained last week where we discovered a gem in Abilene for oils and vinegars. Read FUN GIRLFRIEND LUNCH.
Also, my hairstylist, Heather, told me how she learned to add balsamic vinegars to sparkling water for healthy, tasty beverages.
She takes her favorite coconut sparkling water and adds the Coconut Balsamic Vinegar…she loves the drink so much, that she will take it with her soon on vacation.
Also, she said if we add the Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar to sparkling water it tastes similar to a Dr. Pepper.
I am going back soon for some new vinegars…I like this idea.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: NEW NAIL COLORS
Now that I am a SPRING woman, I am also exploring new nail colors.
Previously, I wore darker autumn colors no matter the time of year.
I love this new color and it goes so well with my new wardrobe.
It is OPI GOT MYSELF INTO A JAM-BALAYA...,don’t. you just love the names?
Basically, it is a lovely coral.
I am keeping the nails short these days for working around the house and spending time with active boys.
This is just easier during a new phase of life.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: LEARNING TO LISTEN
For those of you who have asked for my advice about completely relocating to a new town, here is a big one.
Learn to listen…you learn more that way.
I have spent the last 8 months in this chair at least once a month for several hours, at my new hair salon.
And, I learned so much about this new community just listening to the other women.
First I learned that it is very different from the larger city where I lived.
Many of these women live on ranches in the surrounding area and still assist with livestock…a few are into Nascar…most are born & raised here or long time residents.
So, they know way more than me about this West Texas town. And I have gleaned their knowledge just listening.
Bottom line though, many are older women like myself who want to continue to look their best later in life and the stylists at The Hair Parlor in Abilene are among their best friends.
I have always liked “salon talk,” but this round has been very helpful as I listen to the other clients.
That is why I have selected Proverbs 19:20 as my verse for the week.
It helps me to remember to be a good listener…a skill Mr. B excels at and a skill I pray to improve.
If you are living in a new place, just listen to the residents talk everywhere you go. It is kind of amazing what you will learn.
Thanks for joining me today, ladies, for Sunday Reflections.
Let me know any thoughts you have…and please join me tomorrow as we once again discuss the messages our outfits send to the world about us…see you then.
STAY THANKFUL AND KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
Whether shopping new arrivals or clearance sales, please shop with the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way in order to support the blog.
Sunday blessings to you and your readers! So many things in today’s post brought me a smile, starting with the prairie dogs. You must have a prairie dog “town” near your home! There was one a few miles from our house when I was growing up and sometimes my daddy would load a bunch of us kids in the back of his pickup (1960’s rural Texas – no rules!) and drive us over there at sunset to see them all perching outside their burrows. I still pass that site often and smile, even though now it is under a concrete freeway access road. I think Tux has the right idea about what we need to be doing on this unseasonably cold, wet weekend in north Texas. Looks like your area may even get snow, in what my MawMaw always called an “Easter spell,” the last freeze before spring came to stay. I’m glad you mentioned bringing in your fern, as I just bought one and hadn’t thought about it being on the front porch – thank you! I followed the link for your new nail color and ended up finding one of my own. I’ve been wishing for a new color to celebrate the season, and I think OPI’s “Live Love Carnaval” will be just the pop of coral I needed. I especially appreciated the wise words in today’s scripture, which apply to several situations in my life right now, and I’m printing the Tips for Joy graphic and posting it on my fridge so I can hold myself accountable for those steps on a daily basis. Thank you for a post brimming with positive content we can use in our daily lives, rather than some sort of unattainable blogger/influencer monetarily-driven nonsense.
Happy Sunday, Lori. Just woke up to an ice covered patio! There is a prairie dog town…I saw it last week. They are cute.
I hope your day is full of joy!
Ice covered patio! So sorry to hear that. Spring can be fickle. Hope the emerging plants are OK. I am also fascinated by trees. Most of my art is about trees or the birds that live in them. Things are greening up with the sudden warm weather and I was surprised to see the damaged Japanese maple in the back yard is leafing out. Its in sorry shape but it is a survivor. The member category for our 2025 show is “Weathering the Storm” and until now I haven’t had an idea. I don’t want to depict the damage but I will see if I can’t celebrate my Wabi Sabi survivor. So nice to hear you are walking outside again though maybe not today. Watching spring emerge is so uplifting. And so is coral nail polish in the spring. I think we match today. And thank you for the verse from Proverbs. It is my verse for the week too. Stay cozy with Tux & Mr. B today.
Thanks Kathie! It is a cozy day. I love that so many trees do tell survivor stories….the ones with deep roots. Thanks for sharing your love of trees too.
Good morning, Pamela. Tux has the right idea. We are having a cold rainy time here, too. Good for you on the walking. It really enlivens the soul to get out and experience nature like that beautiful tree. Keep smiling and glowing.
Thank you, Marcia! Stay warm today.
Many nuggets of wisdom today. I love what your stylist is doing with your hair color. I just finished putting bins of winter clothes in the attic, so I feel personally responsible for our plunging temps in Ohio :). Fortunately, I kept out a few things for any transitions. I love those prairie dogs, as wildlife sightings are my favorite part of walks here and traveling. Today we have deer browsing in the woods behind our house and last week, we too saw a tom turkey in the backyard.
I also felt personally responsible because I put winter away! This cozy blanket I am under will have to do, and the prairie dogs will need to wait a couple of days for my return! Thanks so much, Linda! I do miss the deer we had in our old neighborhood.
Love the prairie dogs!! Very cool !
I had to get some coral lipstick for my coral tops. Indeed a spring like color.
Been planting zinnias and they came up in 3 days , got a dark pink mandevilla,and a bougainvillea red. Then my daughter in law got inspired and planted sunflowers and succulents, aloe vera, a blooming blue bonnet,etc. They live with us. Have fun and enjoy nature!
I love your posts! You make me want to visit Abilene. My father in law lived there almost 50 years ago. We live in aledo. We may have to do a day trip to Abilene soon!
I think this will be our last freeze…hoping so..and then I can get some planting done. Our poor patios are so bare. Enjoy your flowers, Debra.
You should Rebecca! There is so much to do and enjoy in this special place.
Good morning Pam. Your little Prairie dogs are cute !
Just an FYI for you. I used to drink water with apple cider vinegar and I loved the taste, but my dentist told me to stop that any acid, which includes all vinegars, Will damage your teeth. This is what I read about it “ Tooth Erosion:
Acidic drinks, including vinegar, can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity.” so probably a good idea to check with your dentist before you start drinking anything with vinegar.
I hope you have a blessed day.
Wow! I had no idea what I was seeing in your picture until your explanation! No prairie dogs up here in Oregon, I guess. They are much larger than I would have imagined.
I love trees, too. All the fruiting and flowering trees are in their glory right now, along with camelias, azaleas and rhododendrons. Our baseline the year-round is evergreens, so spring is a beautiful change of pace.
Have a wonderful Sunday! I’m off to Portland for a visit with my sons. 😁
I now know how good it feels to get out in the sunshine and fresh air. My husband and I went for a walk for the first time after my surgery and I felt tired but also refreshed.
Thanks for another recipe to try and I love your new nail color.
Enjoy your visit, Connie!
Mine said that if I brush right after that covers it…so I only drink them at home where I can brush. Thanks so much, Beth…I hope the advice I was given is correct!
It does feel so good to be getting back! Thanks Paula!
Hi Pam,
YAY for you for back to walking. What a great feeling, 4 miles, this is a big deal. 😊
Being a good listener is one of the best qualities I find in a friend. Mr. B is a smart man.
Have a lovely day.
He excels at it, and moving has inspired me to improve. Thanks Katherine!
Thank you for the wise words from Proverbs. I am struggling with a new phone, and the words are an inspiration and comfort to an old not very tech woman.
Listening is indeed an art. Most of us listen to form a reply instead of looking at the speaker & taking in their words. I know I can be guilty of this. It is something that I am working on. Stay warm & cozy!
so enjoyed our warmer weather like you, but starting Tuesday, cold temperatures again. So my closet is a mix of two seasons. I too am enjoying walking on the days I don’t play tennis, so great to see spring flowers blooming every where.
Listening to others is the best. I am a Midwest lady who moved south and very wisely was told listen and ask questions.
I was excited to see that Rebecca lives in Aledo, which is adjacent to Fort Worth. Hoping we can include her in our outing when you are able to come to town on a shopping excursion!
I understand…every new device, every update…makes me a nervous wreck. Hang in there, Jill, you can do it.
Listening for information about a new town has helped me work on changing that…thanks Becky!
Best way to learn! I also found a wonderful boutique owner who has kindly answered many questions for me.
Absolutely! That would be fun…I just don’t know when I can make it happen.